Suggest Treatment For High BP And Abdominal Issues

Posted on Fri, 23 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 23 Dec 2016 Answered on

Thu, 12 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : For the last 2-3 days I have been experiencing some symptoms that are alarming to me. I have high blood pressure and heart issues (stroke) run in my family. I have been experiencing facial tics (painless) and have felt some lightheartedness and stomach issues. Yesterday at work I had my BP checked at work and it was 163/95. Throughout last night my BP was 153/102 @ 8pm, 142/104 @ 3am, 158/103 @ 5am. After taking my meds at 7am I noticed my BP was coming down...after about an hour it was 144/83. Now, at 10:30am it is 122/82. I stayed home from work thinking I could see my Dr. for consultation but she is out til Tuesday. I feel going to urgent care would be a waste of $35 but I need a note. What should I do?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that your symptoms could e related to an electrolyte imbalance.

Vitamin D deficiency or thyroid dysfunction could also trigger this symptomatology.

The lightheartedness could be caused by a cardiac arrhythmia.

Coming to this point, I recommend you to closely monitor your blood pressure different times through the day. Having some rest will be helpful.

If these symptoms persist (high blood pressure, palpitations, chest pain) I would recommend going to the ER for a physical exam and some tests:

- a resting ECG
- complete blood count
- blood electrolytes
- kidney and liver function tests.

Checking your vitamin D plasma levels would be necessary in case a low calcium level is detected.

Meanwhile, your actual blood pressure values are not concerning. There is no need to go to the ER. Taking plenty of fluids and a balanced diet would be helpful. I recommend avoiding caffeine intake during the day, as it can exacerbate the situation.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (2 minutes later)

I do have hypothyroidism. I will keep your suggestion in mind. Hopefully I can get my blood work done next week. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thyroid dysfunction could explain your troubles.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Yes, thyroid hormone imbalance could explain your symptoms.

I recommend checking your thyroid hormone levels and blood electrolytes.

Wishing a happy Christmas time,

Dr. Iliri

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar